

i:. 


PZ 3 

.H872 

S 






' '-xvir 

■ .. 


COPY 1 



-> s-iiy) 


» "v-j!: ■;*•' y ^ ‘-jr. '<'". 


■ * • ' •' J. 




■' i 




' ' ' ' '‘«V.^.' - 






-' 


V. " 


; 1 

>;• 




i, ;•, 

■ifU ■: 

...f 


r< 


. -r./V 

■'■■ .- >■ ;r 

• “T -<• ' 



U ! 

'■y. 




■ - 3 ^ 




,1 


<> * 


i ' 
»*► 


.. ' ^S - - 

- ^ .:■ sj' ■ 






f; 


■-■f' 




, / 




--r - . f 

%: • -f.- V\ 3 l§ '^V ’• ^ 


N -.• '• ' ’ V,,, ■ ■ - 

'.' ■ • \ ' ■ ■ -r.- . 


f, 

'>■ 


Vv- ■ * 




. / 


/* 




■•' r.-‘ 



' / ' 4 


' » . » 


■* '* 




' 


'M 












I 





3\uggets of 0of<i. 







i . 




) ) ) 
i 
) 

} 

) 


if i > > ) 
fi' i 9 
> » ) ) > 

) > } 
y > ) > j 


> 

> 

) 

> >') 


^ > > 
y > 
) y j 
> J 

j > » 


^ > > 

) ) 

> ) 


) 

) > 

) ) 
) ) 


) 

> 

y 

■) 


> 


) 


) 


> 

) 

) 


) ) ) 
0 

) } 

) 


> 





> y 
y ) 


i> 

y 

) 

y 

) 


I 





^•91 


THE I JSPA'.-fy 
OOiyQHEDS, 

T .j»' C(.>H(v.s ht-cv^vey 


flnCVOIOMT PNTtry 

ly-cA: , l.'-'i ~ ! q t! ^ 

CLARK iX-'XX.O No. 

Lh u- S' E h 

COPY 


J 


Copyrighted, 1902, 
by 

BRUCE HUGHES, 

PHILIPSBURG, PA. 


O € 

C 

c 


< « 

C C 


( f 

( c 
« (. € 
c e 


* c c c 

e tc 

€ < r « 

<■ I. « 

♦ c c c 


e c 


C <: 4 « 4 C < « 

« C Y * 

(, C C < 4 ^ 

C <> 4> 4 

C C < C « 4 


9 

I 

t 



C' ( « 
% 
C f 

e 

cot* 




c c 
c 

« 


4 

t 



DEDICATED 

TO OUR NOW 

SAINTED MOTHER. 



CHAPTER I. 


UTH HASKENS was a beautiful girl, not 



simply as to being handsome, but as to 


^ V disposition and manners. Her soulful 
nature was ebbing out everywhere. 

She had been brought up in the mountain 
wilds as a pure child of nature. All that she 
knew was to spend herself in behalf of others. 

Her family had come into possession of large 
tracts of land, but had much difficulty in getting 
along. Only by hard labor on their part, close 
economy, careful planning, and help on the part 
of Ruth, could they manage to eke out a mere ex- 
istence. Adversity seemed to be on their track. 

They were harrassed and annoyed by moun- 
tain fires in the spring and these were followed 
by a wider spread of devastation in the fall. 

During the drought in mid- summer, when 
fields of golden grain were about ready for the 
sickle, fiames would break out and carry ruin in 
their train. To add to these hardships, winters 
were extremely severe. Deep snows fell, and 
driving storms piled them up in the roads and 
around the buildings until their home was a 
veritable prison. 

After a certain summer of devastating fire 
the winter following was extremely severe. The 
family passed through a siege of suffering which 
reduced them almost to the verge of ruin. 

Major Haskens, the father, had broken down, 
and the oldest son, who could have been a help to 
the family, was arbitrary and ugly, and deter - 
mined to leave home. 

The parents pleaded with him to abandon the 
idea, but without avail. Even Ruth, who had 


6 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


always swayed a strong influence over his life, 
could prevail nothing on this occasion. 

He had resolved to go, and go he would. 

However a few days before the contemplated 
departure a serious accident happened. While 
at the barn one evening, he abused a vicious 
horse which was on the premises; consequently 
the animal became unmanageable, got the bet- 
ter of the bov, and trampled him under his feet. 

Ruth, being within hearing, hurried to the 
scene of the noice and found the boy beneath the 
horse’s feet. Without stopping to think of dan 
ger,she rushed in along-side of the vicious animal, 
got the boy out, and conveyed him to the house. 

Medical aid was found necessary, aud the 
task fell to Ruth to summon the physician who 
lived many miles away. There were no roads 
and no bridges. The only way of getting there 
was by following foot paths through the forests 
and fording the streams. Nevertheless she 
started on the family horse “iVe^,” with her 
great mastiff dog by her side. 

After she had gone, the family grew worse, 
the son became wild, the father became danger- 
ously ill under the shock, and things in general 
rapidly evolved into a critical situation. 

The mother however, a brave and courageous 
woman, undertook to worry the time through, 
expecting her daughter soon to return. But 
when Ruth did not put in her appearance after 
a reasonable time, the mother lost heart. The 
situation became critical in the extreme. It 
looked as though the whole family were doomed 
to an awful fate. But about the second watch in 
the night, as the Jew would say, there was a rap 
at the door. 

Immediately the mother answered the call, 
and, behold, there stood before her a man of 
strange appearance. He looked somewhat like a 
young scion of the aborigines. 

Who he was and whence he came did not 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


7 


then appear. But he gave her to understand 
that he was traveling through the forest and 
that, night having overtaken him, he was seek- 
ing shelter. 

In this hour of extremity the woman was not 
long in explaining the situation. She told him 
that the house was virtually an asylum with in- 
mates almost running wild, while she herself 
was completely worn out. Hence the thought of 
entertaining strangers was out of the question. 

The traveler listened to the story with much 
interest, and when she was through he kindly in- 
quired about the trouble and offered his services 
which the another gladly accepted. With the 
greatest care he examined into the boy’s wounds 
and found them dangerous. Then in his effort 
at relief he made use of an herb which he found 
in the forest. Being acquainted with the proper- 
ties of this peculiar plant, he prepared and ap- 
plied it to the wounds until the fiery pains sub- 
sided. He had other remedies besides, and also 
carried an instrument which he called his “talis- 
man.” He applied this instrument to the boy 
and there was immediate improvement. Next 
he turned attention to the father and rendered 
him good service. He also prescribed for the 
mother and gave her relief. Thus he made real 
the Scriptures where it speaks of entertaining 
angels while entertaining strangers, for this 
stranger proved to be an angel in disguise to this 
woman entertaining him. 

At morning dawn the traveler was making 
ready to take his departure, but the mother 
pleaded with him to remain until word came 
from her daughter. While they were thus talk- 
ing the black horse “Wed” came rushing home at 
a furious rate without a saddle or bridle. He 
was all in a foam, his eyes sparkling, his head 
raised in the air, snorting, and neighing, and 
looking in every direction. There was no sign of 
the daughter, physician, or any other party. On 


8 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


the other hand there were all signs of a tragedy. 

The mother was again almost frantic. Hence 
the stranger turned aside and with his “talisman'^ 
captured the horse and conveyed him away in 
safety. Then he opened communications with 
parties at a distance. His method was myster- 
ious. He placed himself in touch with distant 
parties and in the shortest time possible there 
appeared on the scene another sturdy young man. 
Coming up, he hailed the former stranger and 
benefactor with great cordiality. 

“Dr. Ralph Overland,” said he, “How is 
this? Long and anxiously have we waited for 
word from you; but all in vain. And when word 
did come we were involved in one of the most 
horrible experiences of our lives. On one of our 
expeditions, hearing cries in the distance, we 
went in that direction. Nearing the place, the 
following scene came before us. A young girl 
was clinging to a frantic black horse, while a 
large mastiff dog was engaged in a death strug- 
gle with a wild beast. The mastiff hurled the 
wild beast away with terrific force, but with 
glistening eyes and foaming mouth the animal 
renewed the attack. The struggle waxed fiercer 
than ever, and for a while hope seemed on the 
side of the brave old mastifi. However the tide 
soon turned, the brave mastiff relaxed his grip 
and sank down to the ground. Ali the while the 
young girl was clinging to the frantic horse. But 
in good time we were by the girl’s side and 
knocked the wild beast to the ground. It rolled 
over, fighting twigs, clawing every thing within 
reach, but finally expired. Overcome by the 
terrible strain and shocking scene, the girl sank 
away into a swoon and fell to the ground. The 
horse became unmanageable and ran away. 
Quickly and gently we conveyed the girl to our 
camp. Leaving her there in the care of the 
guardian, we returned to the scene of the tragedy. 
Gathering up the belongings of our party, we re- 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


9 


turned to the camp soon as possible. But, alas I 
On our return we found the guardian almost 
dead, the camp despoiled, and the girl gone. 
However, after the camp officer had recovered a 
little, we gathered from him what had happened, 
'namely, that a band of desperadoes infesting the 
wilds had done the work. Into their hands the 
girl fell, and they carried her away. Amidst these 
exigencies your message came, and with all 
dexterity possible we have come hither.” 

Dr. Ralph Overland said: “Hal Milburn, I 
am glad you have come. My late experience, as 
also your story, tell us that unexpected contin- 
gencies ever lie in our path; our plans are liable 
to be frustrated without a moment’s warning, 
and we ourselves may be placed in strange rela- 
tions to fellow man. My present dilemma has to 
all intents and purposes blocked our way to for- 
tune. Rival parties have gotten in the field and 
are pushing their work with vigor. However, 
this is no time for lamentation. It was one of 
the unforseen events, and possibly there is more 
Providence in it than blind misfortune. At all 
events it gives opportunity for the Samaritan 
spirit. On my journey I wandered in on this sor- 
rowing family. The situation was so sad and 
unfortunate that I had not the heart to leave 
them alone. ” 

Then Dr. Ralph Overland, calling in Mrs. 
Haskens, said: “Madam ! This is my friend and 
co-worker, Mr. Hal Milburn He seems to pos- 
sess information which will be of interest to you. 
I gather that he is able to throw light on the 
strange return of the black horse, and brings tid- 
ings relating to your daughter.” 

Lady Haskens exclaimed: “Mr. Milburn, 
you are another benediction. Dr. Overland, as 
you call him, has been an angel in disguise. He 
came when our home was overwhelmed with sor- 
row, and rendered us such timely and beneficent 
service. Now your arrival seems providential 


10 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


Is it true, Mr. Milburn, that you have tidings in 
regard to my daughter 

Mr Milburn replied: “Lady, I am not ac- 
quainted with the circumstances in connection 
with your daughter. But from the recital of events 
with Dr. Ralph Overland things seem to point 
that way. Should such be the case, I am sorry to 
tell you that she is now in the hands of despera- 
does” 

“O, my poor Ruth!” cried Mrs. Haskens. 
“ To do a kindness and lend a helping hand was 
the habit of her life. When she entered the 
home there was joy in the midst of gloom, and 
light in the midst of da^'kness. In her presence 
things assumed a new coloring, and life discover- 
ed a deeper meaning. May I ask,” continued 
Mrs. Haskens, “whether there is any hope?” 

‘ ‘ Yes ! ’ ’ suddenly broke in Dr. Ralph Overland. 
“ Every cloud has a silver lining, and every night 
is followed by a morning. The hand that bears 
all nature up will guard his children well. Com- 
mending you therefore to a Providence whose 
paths are through deep waters, too wise to err 
n.nd too good to be unkind, and promising you 
that we will do all within our power to bring 
things about well, we bid you farewell and ad- 
dress ourselves to our journey.” 


CHAPTER TI. 



ODSON HUM BOLT, the camp officer and 
guardian, had sufficiently recovered to 
be left alone. 


Some of the company were still on the trail 
of the desperadoes, and some were following up 
the interests of the company. Indeed, it seemed 
as if the whole group were scattered like a flock 
without a shepherd. 

Headquarters had become still as the valley 
of deaih. Not a sound was to be heard save the 
footstep of Dodson Humboldt as he wandered to 
and fro to wear away the time. 

However, Rudolph Jackson, one of the com- 
pany, returned after a time with interesting 
news. Said he : — “Humbolt, I have been an eye 
witness to an awful tragedy. There seem to 
be far reaching elements involved in it. The 
story runs something on this wise. A young 
girl made her escape from mountain strong- 
holds, and worked her way out into the settle- 
ment. Tired and exhausted, she was sitting by 
the high way when a young man by the name of 
Edward Bramholt and myself came driving along. 
Seeing her wearied and haggard appearance, 
Bramholt inquired into her trouble. 

“Looking us in the face, the girl said: ‘Sirs, 
we are strangers. Whether to unbosom my 
story I do not know. But as I am I can do no 
more. First however tell me, sirs, are you 
honorable men ? Are you friends to right and 
justice, and will you pledge me sympathy, pro- 
tection and support ?’ 


12 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


“Pair maiden,” said Bramholt, “We hold 
honor above everything. It will be a pleasure to 
render you any service within our power. ” 

Therefore with tremulous voice and nervous 
manner she thus began: “A daring scheme of 
robbery is on foot against a good and noble man 
not far from this neighborhood. His business 
is the largest in all the country. The owner 
seems famed for manhood, philanthropy, busi- 
ness and wealth. The stand is noted for its 
location and arrangements. It is situated in the 
central part of the city, while the residence is 
located in the suburban parts. But both are 
connected by electric wires and alarms. For 
some time a band of desperadoes, among whom I 
had the misfortune to fall, has been planning a 
raid thereon. Time and again I have heard their 
tales and plans. Often my heart has ached and 
my soul has shuddered at their blood curdling 
plots. At last maturing their plans, the despera- 
does started on their bold round of depredations, 
and left me in charge of the strong-hold. But 
I could not bear the pressure any longer. To 
remain I charged myself with innocent flood. 
Therefore have I broken away with the hope 
that in some providential way I might be instru- 
mental in frustrating their designs. Thus far 
have I come and can go no farther. Now unless 
I find deliverance and help from this source, all 
is over.” 

In reply Bramholt said: “Pair maiden, the 
man to whom you refer is my business partner. 
Therefore your story is of vital interest . to me. 
If you will accompany us, we will return and 
carefully survey they situation.” 

Thus facing about, Bramholt started his 
horse and never slackened reins until he pulled 
in at home. 

It was about the second watch of the night. 
Jumping out of his conveyance, he placed the 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


13 


girl in the care of the J udson family while we 
proceeded to the scene of depredations. 

On the way we agreed upon a place of meet- 
ing and plans of procedure. He then returned 
home and I agreed to join him at the appointed 
signal. 

About midnight the alarms were disturbed. 
Accordingly he came to the appointed place and 
both of us proceeded toward the scene of the rob- 
bers* operations. 

On the railroad track, a short distance from 
the store, we encountered two vicious characters 
who ordered us to surrender. Instead of obey- 
ing orders we opened fire on them. The struggle 
was terrific. But we shot one of the men to the 
ground, covered the other with revolvers, and 
thus kept him at bay. 

Meanwhile Col. Judson hastened past us to 
the place of business. There he fell into a fusil- 
lade with another part of the gang and was 
wounded. 

On the other hand he who assumed to be the 
leader of the band, missing his comrades, hasten- 
ed to their rescue. Coming up to the scene, he 
announced himself as the leader and warned us 
not to fire under terrible penalty. Thus realiz- 
ing the delemma, young Bramholt exclaimed that 
something must be done at once or all would be 
over. 

At this juncture however there suddenly ap- 
peared upon the scene, with weapon in hand, the 
mountain maid Ruth Haskens. Without ex- 
changiug words, she took dead aim at the ap- 
proaching robber and shot him to the ground. 
Reeling, the robber exclaimed: “My God ! All 
is over ! Strangers, in heaven’s name, spare me 
a little while. I have a secret to unbosom and 
plans to unfold which will be to your advantage. 
In our mountain strong- hold remains a maiden 
whom we carried away prisoner a long time ago. 
To her time and again we promised freedom and 


14 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


large treasure. But now the difficulty is how to 
put you in communication with her. Are not 
some of my comrades still surviving V* 

“Two are near at hand,” replied young 
Edward Bramholt. “One however is wounded 
and possibly dying. The other is in charge of a 
brave young man who was providentially in our 
company.” 

“Pray,” said the robber chief, “have the 
prisoner brought before me. I desire a word 
with him before my departure.” 

The culprit was brought face to face with 
the dying robber chief. The meeting was a sad 
one. Said the chief: “Malcom ! We are over- 
taken at last. Our daring adventures have failed. 
Our stupendous schemes have fallen with ven- 
geance on our own heads. I go. You remain. 
Make amends as far as you can. Conduct the 
strangers to the strong-hold in order that the 
young maiden there confined may secure her 
liberty. ” 

Coming forward, and looking into the rob- 
ber’s face, Ruth Haskens exclaimed: “Jasper 
Markand ! I am the maiden for whom you are 
planning. Give yourself no further concern 
save to make your peace with the stern Judge in- 
to whose presence you will soon be sommoned.” 

With gasping breath the robber chief ex- 
claimed: “Fair maiden! This seems incredible. 
But your presence is the undeniable proof. How- 
ever, since events have come to pass this way, it 
is all the more welcome. A parting word with 
you will be my best consolation in this dismal 
hour. Pair maiden, my time is short and all wiil be 
over soon. My simple request therefore is that you 
count all the treasure and stores in the mountain 
strong-hold as your own, and grant forgiveness 
for all the wrongs you have sustained at my 
hand.” 

Ruth replied: “Markand, your prayer for 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


15 


forgiveness is heartily granted. But your proffer 
as to treasures is declined.” 

Thus answered Ruth, and the robber ex- 
pired. 

But by this time the whole neighborhood was 
aroused and the authorities were on hand. There- 
fore we turned the bodies of the robbers, with 
the surving prisoner, over into their hands. On 
the other hand we returned to the merchant’s 
home, — he being borne there sometime previously. 
Everything was in a state of confusion and the 
family was in great distress. Therefore I placed 
myself at their service until all things had settled 
down into peace and order. Then at an oppor- 
tune moment I took my leave and have come 
hither. 


CHAPTER III. 

VERLAND and his comrades had returned 
1 to the camp after prosecuting urgent and 
important business. He was grave, ret- 
icent and seemingly in a deep study. Otherwise 
the camp was all alive and full of stir. 

At length Humbolt said: “Overland, the 
desperadoes have been run down, the girl has 
made her escape and has reached good hands.” 

Aroused from silence, Overland inquired: 
“Whence this news ?” 

Humbolt replied that Jackson had returned 
and had brought the news. He was eye witness 
to the tragedy through which it had been accom- 
plished. 

Said Overland: “I am glad of that. For the 
family to which that young woman belongs is a 
noble family. 

“ Dropping in on them in an hour of dire ex- 
tremity, we found them almost in desperation. 
Yet the spirit manifested was remarkable. The 
patience, endurance, and self-sacrifice bordered 
on the heroic. One could easily learn the position 
the daughter occupied in the family. The mother 
gave me to understand tnat she would rather 
have Dome all the ills and woes of the family 
than to have lost her daughter. Moreover if she 
fails to return, the mother refuses to be comfort- 
ed, and will go down to her grave sorrowing like 
the patriarch of old. Therefore the case has al- 
ways had a large place in my thoughts. However 
I am glad to report that the family is in a thrifty 


SELF-RENUNCIATION 


17 


condition. The son has thoroughly recovered. 
His better nature has gotten the ascendenc and 
he has become quite a man. Only one sorrow re 
mains in his way. He breaks out in wails over 
the loss of his sister. And especially since he 
holds himself responsible for the tragedy. Hence 
I think steps should be taken soon as possible to 
put them in communication with each other. 

“To this end the following thought occurred 
to my mind. The company is on a vacation. Thus 
I thought that Jackson and I could visit the 
young woman, and if agreeable convey her home. ” 

“A capital idea,” said Jackson. “I am in 
favor of going immediately. We can each take a 
horse, and Putnam-like travel down the rocky 
crags and soon reach the plains. Putting our 
horses up and crossing the water, we can get to 
our destination in a very short time.” 

“Satisfactory,” said Overland. “Some of 
the men will make the horses ready, while we 
get lunch and other appliances. ” 

Promptly and joyfully all went to work. 

But while thus deliberating and planning, the 
company was thrown into no little surprise by a 
young woman and man riding into camp. 

The young woman inquired: “Is Rudolph 
Jackson a member of this company, and is he 
about the premises ?” 

Overland with some of the men being out 
around the premises, one of the men replied say- 
ing : “Jackson is a member of the company but 
at present is very busily engaged.” 

Said the young woman : “Will you oblige me, 
Sir, by informing him that I would like an inter 
view with him 

“Certainly,” replied the man and went in and 
sent Jackson out. 

The latter came out hurriedly, and at once 
recognized the couple. 

Said he: “Miss Haskens and Edward Bram- 
holt, how have you found your way hither ?” 


18 


SELF-REN ONCI ATION. 


Ruth with her usual alertness replied that 
the star of destiny had brought them through. 

Said Jackson : “Believe me, Miss Haskens, 
we were making ready to send a delegation in 
your behalf. In fact all things are ready for our 
departure, save victuals. If these had been 
ready, we would have been on our way.” 

By this time Dr. Overland came near, and 
Jackson beckoned him saying: “Doctor, here is 
Miss Haskens, the heroine of so many tragedies 
and hardships. Also the gallant young Edward 
Bramholt who acquitted himself so heroically in 
the recent ordeal. Anticipating our movements 
they have come hither. ” 

Dr. Overland came up saying : “I am glad to 
be brought face to face with such gallant spirits. 
Miss Haskens, your name is as familiar to me 
as my own. You will scarcely believe me when I 
tell you that your ventures, perils, heroism, and 
achievements have been laid before me. It seems 
I know you as well as if we had been life- long 
acquaintances. ” 

Ruth replied that such seems passing 
strange. 

“ But when I tell you,” continued Dr. Over- 
land, “that your mother, though worn somewhat 
by time, is a hail and hearty woman, and only 
awaits the return of her long lost daughter to 
cheer her life, — when I tell you that your brother 
is still living and has become quite a promising 
man, it will be of some interest to you. ” 

Much surprised Ruth exclaimed: “Dr. Over- 
land, is it possible that you greet me with such 
news ? Then my prayer is answered. Faith in 
Providence has buoyed me up through all these 
ordeals.” 

Dr. Overland continued: “Gallant maiden, 
all that I have told you is emphatically true, and 
much more. 

“Mr. Jackson, who has told me of all your 
recent adventures, and myself, had planned a 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


19 


delegation to visit you and bring you to your 
home. But you have anticipated us and taken the 
camp by storm. Hence we must concede to you 
the palm. You and Mr. Bramholt will please dis- 
mount and share our crude hospitality before 
prosecuting your journey farther.” 

Then the camp was all astir. In the com- 
pany were James Baldwin who fired the deadly 
shot at the wild beast, Dodson Humbolt, camp 
guardian, who had resuscitated Ruth prior to the 
capture, Hal Milburn who had borne the tidings 
of the tragedy in the woods. 

On entering Miss Ruth was first hailed by 
her former benefactor, Dodson Humbolt. Next 
came Hal Milburn, saying : “Many an hour has 
passed since that almost fatal tragedy in the 
forest. Thence your departure was almost as 
signal as your appearance.” 

Thus each greeted her as if the dead had 
come to life. In the meantime the lunch had 
been transformed into somewhat of a banquet, 
and refreshments were served with lavish hand 
and in great glee. 

All being over, Dr. Overland, Hal Milburn, 
and Rudolph Jackson, accompanied Edward 
Bramholt and Ruth Haskens to her old home. 
Arriving there long after night, Dr. Overland and 
Hal Milburn acted as pilots. They cautiously 
approached the house and aroused the family and 
told the mother that they had brought a stranger 
whom she would delight to welcome. 

Without any further ceremony Ruth bound- 
ed out of the darkness, and clasped her mother 
around the neck saying: “Mother ! Mother !” 

Mrs. Haskens, overcome by such unexpect- 
ed news, almost succumbed. After rallying she 
exclaimed: “Ruth ! My daughter ! My daugh- 
ter. Can it be possible that you have come at 
last!” 

Soon Alpheas,the wounded brother, bounded 
forward and embraced Ruth in his arms. 


20 


SELP-RENUNCIATION. 


Then the father greeted the daughter with 
all the fondness of a father’s heart. 

Likewise the other members of the family 
gathered around and gave vent to their joy at the 
return of the loved one. 

The scene was touching in the extreme. It 
was not the return of a prodigal who had clandes- 
tinely and ruthlessly broken away from home; it 
was the return of an angel who had been carried 
away byciuel hands and unavoidaoly detained. 

After the salutations we retired, leaving the 
family and Edward Bramholt to themselves. 


CHAPTER IV. 

HE J udson family on the one hand was con- 



stantly talking about the great service 


Ruth Haskens had rendered them. On 
the other hand they also remembered that the 
dying robber chief had bequeathed all his treas- 
ures to Ruth. To consummate this bequest they 
thought would be a fitting reward. Therefore 
some of the family had an interview with the 
authorities as to what coarse to pursue. The 
latter suggested that the surviving robber be 
called into service. 

The next step therefore was to determine 
the extent to which he would acquiesce. Accord- 
ingly the officer with the Judson party called on 
the robber. They found him resting very quietly 
in his cell. He greeted them very cordially. 

Said the jailor: “You seem to be in good 
spirits.” 

“Good reasons, ” was the prisoner’s prompt 
reply. Your presence is always the occasion for 
cheer. But above all things the company you 
have brought with you is an inspiration. For a 
long time I have desired an interview with them. 
I have wanted to talk with them over the past. 

“Very good, ” joined in the party. “Our pur- 
pose here is to recall the past experiences, rumi- 
nate in old scenes, and redeem outstanding 
pledges. Accordingly our plan points toward 
you as the key to the success of our undertaking. 
You remember that the dying robber chief be- 
qneathed all his treasure jewels and wealth to 
the intrepid Ruth. To comsummate this bequest 
is our supreme desire.” 

Said the prisoner: “I am at your service. I 


22 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


have resolved that if it ever cathe in my way to 
make amends I would do it with all my heart.” 

Thereupon the jailor joined in, saying: “ The 
following plan has been proposed. You accom- 
pany the party to the mountain rendezvous and 
make full disclosure of the treasure. Then 
afterwards you will return to custody to await 
further development. ” 

Said the prisoner : “I am favorable to any 
plan you may propose.” 

Therefore said the Judsons: “It only re- 
mains to determine how we shall travel.” 

“Well,” said the prisoner, “I would suggest 
that we meet the other persons who are to make 
up the party.” 

This suggestion was accepted and the Judson 
group started. According to previous arrange- 
ments they met Dr. Ralph Overland, Hal Milburn 
and others. Then without delay the whole com- 
pany started on the mountain journey, the pris- 
oner and jailor being in the lead. . 

Over crags and peaks, through gorges and 
ravines did the prisoner wend his way until he 
came to a large overhanging ledge of rocks. This 
ledge looked like a solid breast work of masonry. 
Over it had grown a thick coat of moss giving 
the appearance of an antique fortification. 
Underneath was an entrance which could only 
be located by one familiar with the surround- 
ings. Through this entrance we made our way. 
On we went finding one chamber after another 
opening out into winding labyrinths of passages 
and rooms. Indeed the greater the explorations, 
the more apparent were its vastness, its bound- 
less stores, and its booty. 

After having gained some vague knowledge 
as to its whereabouts, character and resources 
we returned to report to the gallant young maiden 
the fruits of our adventure. 

The jailor started with the prisoner for his 
former custody and we started on our journey to 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


23 


the home of Ruth. Dr. Overland, Milburn Jack- 
son and Bramholt being well acquainted with the 
route, we soon reached our destination. 

Miss Haskens and her friends, not exactly 
expecting such a visit, were a little dismayed. 
But with her accustomed composure she soon ad- 
justed herself to the situation. 

Said Bramholt: “Miss Haskens, we have 
just returned from an exploring expedition into 
the mountain rendezvous of your old dungeon 
home. Accordingly, here are some of the fruits 
of our adventure, and an earnest of the treasures 
there. One chamber after another is stored with 
diamonds, pearls, gems, rubies, jewels, gold and 
silver from all quarters. Indeed the rendezvous 
seemed boundless and the treasure inexhaustible. 
Fair maiden, it only remains for you to make dis- 
posal of the same.” 

Ruth replied: “All the interest I have in it 
is that the treasures be restored to the rightful 
owners as far as possible, and otherwise to near 
relatives. Over and above this the balance may 
go to worthy purposes, such as benevolent ob- 
jects, institutions of learning, scientific and 
philanthropic purposes. ” 

Thus the young maiden refused any personal 
interest in ill-gotten gain. 


CHAPTER V. 


y^^Nhis return from the exploring expedi- 
tion the prisoner said to the jailor: “Did 
you notice the speculations of Dr. Ralph 
Overland in regard to the rendezvous ?” 

“Yes!” was the jailor’s reply. “He talked 
like one reveling in a world of reminiscences.” 

“True,” said the prisoner, “but there is a 
much more thrilling story, and romantic history 
connected with his life. Whether he was aware 
of the fact or not, I recognized in him the boy of 
tender years who was torn away from mother's 
embrace, and brought to this rendezvous. There 
he was confined for a time as the object of admira- 
tion. But suddenly he was spirited away and 
lost sight of. The band of desperadoes had al- 
ways regreted the loss, and were in quest of him 
ever since. Getting track of him later on in life, 
it was determined to seize him at all hazards. 

“Hence we attacked the camp and head quar- 
ters where the gallant young woman was lodged. 
Not finding Overland there, we despoiled the 
camp and carried the young woman away. As to 
Overland’s origin and history you will be sur- 
prised when I tell you that he was the only son of 
Colonel Judson, victim of the recent tragedy. 
As stated before, when but a child, he was seized 
by cruel hands and taken away from his parents. 

“ It created quite a consternation at the time. 
Large rewards were offered for his return, but 
they were always coupled with such stipulations 
as could not be met. Finally the family withdrew 
the ransom and offered a standing reward for 
the capture of the offenders dead or alive. All 
possible means were employed to run the cap- 
tors down. For this reason the band of despera- 
does had a grudge against the Judson family and 
determined to wreak vengeance on them. Hence 
the fatal tragedy.” 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


25 


“Strange news, this,” said the jailor. “Start- 
ling would be these revelations to the Judsons.” 

“Equally so to all parties concerned, ” rejoined 
the prisoner. “I am sure Overland is not aware 
of his own origin and history. Therefore, to- 
make known these matters and bring about re- 
union, would be a crowning consummation of a 
long series of estrangements, righting a long list 
of unmitigated wrongs, painting a glowing sunset 
for a long troubled life, and opening the way fora, 
rising young man to win a brilliant future.” 

Said the jailor: “There will be a favorable 
opportunity for the disclosure of these things. 
A representative gathering of the two families 
and of all parties interested has been arranged to 
take place at the Judson home. Do you not think 
that would be a suitable time for these dis- 
closures ?” asked the jailor. 

“ There could not be a better time, ” was the 
prisoner’s reply. 

At this juncture Edward Bramholt, who had 
previously returned to his business, appeared on 
the scene. 

“Greeting to you. Gentlemen,” said Bram- 
holt. “You seem deeply engaged in discussion.” 

The jailor said: “We are running over our 
recent adventures and past experiences ” 

“Well,” said Bramholt, “if I am not inter- 
rupting, I have come tc inform you that the- 
parties to the reunion have arrived and desire the 
pleasure of your presence.” 

“Welcome news, this,” said the jailor. “Such' 
is along the line of our discussion. Therefore 
most gladly will we accompany you.” 

Then in the shortest time possible we got 
ready and were soon at the J udson resid mce. 
It was towards evening. Business had been 
closed and all the men and parties interested i 
were present. The senior Judson ’s were int 
good spirits, Edith Judson was modest and quiet, 
Ruth Haskens maintained her usual composed. 


::26 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


bearing, and Dr. Ralph Overland, Hal Milburn, 
Rudolph Jackson, and others, added to the oc- 
casion. All were blithe and gay. The spirit of 
mirth ran high. Each was calling up the humor- 
ous side of their experiences. Amidst this hilar- 
ity Edward Bramholt entered with the two men. 

“Here we are,” said Bramholt. “These men 
have come with me and have consented to con- 
tribute their quota to the good time.” 

“Welcome,” said the senior Judson. “Our 
capital has about run down. Hence we are 
ready for new recruits. Let these men unlock 
their store house of knowledge and satisfy our 
cravings.” 

Replying, the jailor said: “Our minds are 
all out of tune. We have been immersed in some 
singular phases of our past adventures. Hence 
we can hardly gear in with the spirit of this oc- 
casion.” 

Thereupon some of the company spoke up 
saying: “Variety is the spice of life. Let us 
hear some of your adventures.” 

Then the jailor, turning to the prisoner, said: 
“If it is the pleasure of the company to hear from 
cur side, I prefer that you be spokesman.” 

The company exclaimed : “Hear the prison- 
er !” 

The latter, turning to Colonel Judson, said: 
“What I have to say appeals to you and lady Jud- 
son, and to your immediate family. It runs back 
to the morning of your lives, when the first bud 
of promise appeared in your home, namely your 
son of years ago. Suddenly that bud was plucked 
from your embrace and your home was left deso- 
late. I confess that was a hard blow. But time 
has toned down the bitterness. Indeed, that was 
our theme of conversation when Mr. Bramholt 
•came in on us. We were considering plans how 
to break the story to you in the most satisfactory 
way. Accordingly, this occasion seems oppor- 
tune. Hence if you will permit such a marked 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


27 


digression from the spirit of this occasion our 
story will follow.” 

“Most heartily,” said the Judson’s with oth- 
ers of the company. 

Then the prisoner continued, saying: “That 
bud, which had such a bitter taste in the morn- 
ing of your lives, blooms forth in the evening time 
as a fragrant flower. In other words, your son 
that was dead like Joseph of old, is alive again. 
He who was stolen away from your home in the 
morning of your life graces your presence to- 
day. His name is none other than Dr. Ralph 
Over land, the noble young man of this company. ” 

Turning to Ralph he said: “Sir, I am glad 
to have the honor to discover you to yourself and 
to your family.” 

The whole company was thrown into a pan- 
demonium of surprise. They regarded the story 
as incredulous. But one thing especially could 
serve to establish the truthfulness of the story 
in the elder Judson’s mind. There was a mark 
somewhere on the young man’s body which he 
had never outgrown. This was the first 
thought of the elder Judson. Could this be 
found, it would go very far towards establish- 
ing the identity of the boy. Therefore an exami- 
nation was made at the behest of all. And true 
to description the mark was found. Hence the 
long lost son and parents were identified and 
restored to each others, embrace. 

At length the company turned to Ralph Over- 
land saying: “This is strange news. Therefore 
we would like to have you give an account of 
yourself. It would be fitting on this occasion for 
you to give the story of your life. Where you 
have been, how you have spent your time, how 
you have acquired your learning and become 
what you are.” 

Said Dr. Overland: “ The thing dazes me. I 
scarcely know where I am. My life appears like 
a dream. A veritable story of the Arabian Nights. 


28 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


I am living in different realms. Something 
within is clammering foi recognition. My 
thoughts travel back over the past, but are vague. 

“As to my childhood I know nothing. On the 
contrary all that is clear to me is that I found 
myself in the keeping of a man whom I was wont 
to call 'PatMnder,' He was the mentor and guard- 
ian of my early days. The forests were his 
realm and his instincts were to study nature, its 
laws, and treasures and resources. Thus did 
I come by my bent, acumen and mental pabulum. 

“ Long ago he passed away to the shades of the 
hunter and warrior, and I was left alone to battle 
with adverse circumstances. For a time I fol- 
lowed my hankerings as a naturalist, geologist 
and mineralogist, and was led around by every 
phantom that offered itself to the eye. As for 
the company with which I am associated, natural 
attractions for each other banded us together. 

“ Our doings and movements can only be ac- 
counted for on the grounds cf adventure and 
hankerings after the world’s treasure. The 
story of the rendezvous lies open to all. As for 
mj self I can only say that every thing therein 
struck me with a sense of familiarity, but left 
me in a dazed condition. I prefer to leave the 
narative as disclosed.” 

The family and the boy looked upon each 
other in a bewildered manner. Edith greeted 
Ralph in a sisterly way. Edward Bramholt did 
not change in spirit and bearing except to give 
Ralph a more cordial recognition. As for Miss 
Haskens, she stood as a queen among women. 
Indeed to all it was a weird story, a medley of 
relations and strange workings. 

Truly, looking at it from a standpoint of 
Providence, we may say with old Cowper: 

Deep in unfathomable mines of never failing skill 
Be treasures up his bright designs and works his 
sovereign will. 


CHAPTER VI. 


/^ARGE deposits of minerals had been found 
1 on the Hasken lands, and consequently 
a great stir took place. Entire strangers 
constantly appeared on the scene. At head 
quarters they asked all sorts of questions. 

To Alpheus Haskens, who seemed to be in 
charge of things, a stranger with stern visage, 
coarse voice, cynical turn of mind came saying: 
“I presume you are identified with these opera- 
tions ?” 

Alpheus replied: “ To some extent. ” 

“Then,” said the stranger, “may I ask as to 
lands, minerals, and intent of these operations ?” 

Alpheus replied: “The right and title to the 
lands and minerals for miles around are vested 
in a family to which belongs a young woman of 
romantic life. Through her help in girlhood the 
lands were acquired, in deference to her have 
they been retained, and through the wheel of for 
tune have they turned into value.” 

Said the stranger again: “Can you give any 
correct idea as to the extent of the treasures ?” 

In reply Alpheus said: “My personal knowl- 
edge is limited; but competent minds who have 
explored the whole country and delved to great 
depth tell us that the deposits are vast in extent 
and of great value.” 

“Truly, ” said the stranger, “that sounds as 
though a veritable El Dorado were in sight. May 
I ask what plans are contemplated in the devel- 
opment ?” 

Alpheus replied: “Our plans are not yet 
complete; but their consummation is assured. 
Ample means are within reach. 


30 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


“ Through the good offices and influence of the 
gallant young woman before spoken of, a wealthy 
family by the name of Judson, with whom she 
had tragic associations, have placed themselves 
back of all her movements. They have pledged 
honor and financial support to any enterprise she 
may undertake. Accordingly she seems to have 
espoused the cause of toil. She longs to breathe 
into it a spirit somethihg like that which charac- 
terized the ‘Cotton Mills ^ of John Halifax 
Gentleman.” 

Said the stranger: “A sort of Utopian 
scheme. ” 

“Not exactly, ” said Alpheus. “But, on the 
contrary, her desire is to grapple with the con- 
ditions of human life as they actually are, and 
with individuals in all their humanity, weakness 
and limitations, and lift them into a complete and 
rounded life. To this end she suggests harmony 
between labor and capital; and the inauguration 
of plans in which machinery can be substituted 
for manual labor, thus relieving labor of its 
drudgery on the one hand, and on the other giv- 
ing opportunity for thought, improvement and 
culture, and incentive for the development of 
new ideas and a chance to put them in practice. 
In a word, she longs to reduce things to the basis 
of the Golden Rule.'’ 

Said the stranger: “The idea might be all 
right in theory, but it has no foundation in fact. 
All business, capital, labor, government, society, 
church and religion have an opposite trend. In 
proof of this I want to give you a piece of my own 
observation and experience. Then from this I 
argue to general conditions and tendencies. The 
matter referred to was in the case of a young man 
whom I personally knew. He was bright, gifted 
and faithful. He had charge of a responsible and 
paying business. But he had peculiar ideas in 
regard to his duties in life. He got an idea that 
he ought to preach. These impressions he made 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


31 


known to the firm. At once the firm tried to dis- 
suade him from these notions, doubled his salary, 
and threw out other flattering inducements. 

“ But notwithstanding all this he resigned and 
entered the ministry of a church which has the 
Episcopal form of government, the “whosoever 
will” doctrine, and claims its watchword to be 
^Holiness.' Under this regime young Cyrus San- 
croft entered. He was sent to a barren field 
called '^Brush Ridge'' without any assurance of 
any remuneration. 

“ Rev. Helpful filled an office called Presiding 
Elder. His name savoured somewhat of the 
man. He was genial, sensible, and practical. He 
encouraged the young man and counseled both 
him and his people. As a consequence the 
church prospered along all lines. After a long 
period of hard work and privations, Conference 
time came. Young Bancroft came up for admis- 
sion. In recommending him Rev. Helpful stated 
facts and moved his case. The young man pass- 
ed in on a tide. He had such a reputation and 
was so popular that he was sought after for the 
best stations. Accordingly he was sent to one of 
the strongest and wealthiest churches, to the 
great chagrin of some of the older men. He 
went and every thing promised a brilliant rec- 
ord. However, Rev. Helpful had retired from his 
office at Conference, and Dr. Self Importance 
took his place. He was another type of a man al- 
together. He was, as his name implied, self- cen- 
tered and self-concerned. He had been honored 
as a delegate to the General Conference, the law 
making body of that denomination. 

“ During one of the sessions the secretary of 
the body died and Rev. Dr. Self-Importance was 
appointed to fill the vacancy. Within another 
year the body was to convene again. This to Dr. 
Self-Importance was an event of great expecta- 
tion. The “bee” was buzzing in his hat that he 
was a necessary factor to that body. Therefore 


32 


SELF-REN UNC I ATION. 


to the end of ‘getting there’ he laid his office un“ 
-der tribute. He canvassed all the preachers of 
the district. He talked about the fitness and non- 
fitness of candidates. This one was no preacher 
— and that one no scholar. And another had no 
executive ability. He said men of rank and in- 
fiuence are wanted, — men like Henry Ward 
Beecher (to whom he claimed to bear a marked 
resemblance,) who would do credit to the church. 

‘ ‘ On one occasion he was can ying on this sort 
of thing in the presence of young Cyrus San- 
croft, to the mortification of assembled guests. 
Timidly therefore the latter ventured to remark 
that such talk did not savour of the charity that 
thinketh no evil and that seeketh not her own. 

“Thereupon the Rev. Dr. Self-Importance 
bristled up like an infuriated wild beast, saying: 
'^You young ignoramus, can it be possible that 
you have the effrontery to presume to tell me my 
business ? Your ignorance is monumental. You 
-are only fit to associate with cattle, and be assur- 
>ed you will go where you belong in the shortest 
time possible.’ Therefore in accordance with 
this threat the Rev. Dr. Self-Importance set to 
work to compass young Sancroft’s down- fall. He 
abused him in public, stirred up strife in the 
Church, laid snares for him with the people, and 
put every possible obstruction in the way that 
he could contrive. As a consequence the young 
man was a failure. Then at Conference time the 
Rev. Dr. Self-importance blackmailed him in the 
bishops’ council and denounced him before the 
Conference as a scalawag and reprobate. Hence 
young Sancroft was dismissed from the Church 
and became a ruined man. On the other hand 
the Rev. Dr. Self-Importance went on electioneer- 
ing and went into the General Conference on a 
tidal wave. Afterwards he boasted that he would 
Leach such young upstarts to know their places. 

“This,” said I, “is church and religion for 
yOU. It is only history repeating itself. It is a 


SELF-RENUNCIATION 


33 


system of oppression, and an enginry of blood. 
Henceforth count me an avowed enemy to all 
such men, institutions and principles. ” 

“Hold,” said Alpheus, “you might be sin- 
cere in convictions; but certainly you are wrong 
in your reasoning. One swallow does not make 
a summer, one error does not condemn a busi- 
ness man as a failure, and one long-lived drunk* 
ard does not insure long lives and good morals to 
other drunkards. Most persons are too ready to 
draw conclusions from small premises. Hence to 
judge all men by the failure of one or two indi- 
viduals is not fair. That is the reasoning of 
small superficial minds. On the other hand a 
noble spirit is never small. Would that you 
could meet the woman whose spirit animates 
these enterprises. In her you would find a heart 
ready to atone for the wrongs of men, a spirit 
calculated to restore faith in one’s self, and in 
humanity, and above all in the Supreme Being. 

“ That may all be, ” said the stranger, “but 
as matters now stand, I am bitterly opposed to 
organized churches, and all regime of religion 
and all systems connected therewith and grow- 
ing out of the same. I serve notice that you will 
hear from me again. ” 

Thus he took his departure as suddenly and 
as abruptly as he came. 


CHAPTER VII. 


HE new town assumed the name of Haskens 



ville, However there was nothing in com- 


mon with the name and surroundings save 
being called after the original settlement. 

On the one hand the place had lost the even 
tenor of primeval days. On the other hand it had 
assumed a cosmopolitan atmosphere. 

According to tradition it was something like 
the primeval days of San Fransisco or reserva- 
tion towns which sprang up in a day. People 
flocked thereto until there was a horde of turbu- 
lent humanity. A recent writer speaks of a plan 
called the Rectangle"' where everything to which 
slumdom is heir to could be found. But Has- 
kens ville was a veritable pandemonium. There 
was no law, no order, no society. On the other 
hand evil and wickedness of every conceivable 
character were there. Intemperance, the pro- 
lific source of vice and crime, had brothels on 
every side. Gambling was open and defiant. 
Respect for women was unthought of. Gross- 
ness and immorality were the order of the day. 
Infidelity was rampant, riot was precipitated 
without warning, and murder was committed in 
cold blood. Assemblies could not meet with 
any satisfaction, neither could business be carried 
on with any safety. The whole spirit threatened 
to defeat every enterprise. The fond hopes of 
the founders had almost fied. To cap the climax 
a band of ruffians had colluded together to get 
control of money matters. And it looked as 
though they were going to get their plans ac- 
complished without interruption. 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


36 - 


But in the meantime the reunion before men- 
tioned had disbanded, and all parties had re- 
turned and were in their places. Dr. Overland^ 
placed himself at the head of the main exchequer. 
While the clouds were ominous, he prepared for^ 
the onslaught. Hence when the assault came it was 
repulsed with telling effect, and the assailants 
were laid low on every side. But unfortunately 
that did not settle matters. On the other hand 
it only added fuel to the flames. It embittered 
the vicious classes and marked the defender as 
the special object of hatred. They watched their 
opportunity and effected the capture of Over- 
land. Giving him a sham trial, they pushed him 
forward to the funeral pile for execution. But 
as they were about striking the fatal blow their- 
effort was frustrated by the sudden appearance' 
of a person in the garb of a woman. Whence she 
came was not then apparent. 

Like Pocahontas who came to the rescue of 
the noted John Smith of Colonial times, and 
noble Portia in the Merchant of Venice, who 
came to the rescue of Antonia, so this woman es- 
poused the cause of this man. Rushing between 
the victim and his assailants she cried: “Vil- 
lians ! Stay your bloody hands ! Instead of harm- 
ing a hair on yonder heroic brow pierce this heart 
of mine through with a thousand daggers. The 
heart lodged in his bosom is as generous as ever 
throbbed. The blood coursing through his veins 
is noble as ever supported life. The deeds he 
has wrought are worthy to be told throughout 
the world as a memorial. Your hearts are ever 
tender over the bereavement that once crossed 
the path of one of your own flesh and blood, little 
Eva Goodwill. Her father disappeared in her in- 
fancy and was never heard of, while she and 
her mother were left to battle life alone. The 
child was the idol of the whole community both 
rich and poor. Suddenly however she was seized 
by a band of hobos and carried away to other 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


parts. Therefore you will remember that your 
cry was for the blood of the perpetrators. Was 
it not? ” 

‘"Yes!” exclaimed the leader of the crowd 
“and could we but catch him now we would 
feed fat the ancient grudge we bear him.” 

Continuing the stranger said: “Do you not 
l*emember how her singular return gladdened 
your hearts. On the one hand it begot in you 
loud expressions of praise and on the other hand 
called forth strong promises of reward.” 

The leader of the crowd again said: “A 
benediction on his head. Could we but find him 
we would render him, like Mordicai of old, the 
long withheld honor. ” 

“ Well, ” said the woman, “Eva has always 
been under my eye. And being ever in touch 
with me she is within reach on this occasion. 
She has a story to teil which will throw light on 
this scene.” 

Then the woman brought Eva forward and 
•said: “ Do you see yonder stranger ? ” 

“Yes !” said Eva. “ That is Dr. Overland. ” 

Instantly the ruffian leader started forward 
and said: “Can it be possible, child, that you 
know that man ? ” 

“O, Yes ! Mister ” said the little girl. “He 
feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, takes care 
of the poor and helps those who are in trouble. 
And as it says in the good book, whosoever gives 
a cup of cold water unto one of the little ones has 
a disciple’s reward. Accordingly, when 1 was 
sick, helpless, and about ready to die, he came 
and took care of me And when I got well he 
sent me back to my friends. ” 

The ruffian over whom the child had strange 
influence exclaimed: “For thy sake and for the 
sake of thy kind benefactress, this man goes 
free. ” 

Then turning to the woman the ruffian said: 
“ Your interesi in the child is of great concern to 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


37 


me. But for all your strange procedure and 
conduct I am at a loss to account. Your methods 
are so opposite the ordinary ways of men as to be 
almost unique. May I inquire as to who you arq 
and what your mission is ?” 

The woman replied: “I am malice towards 
none and charity for all.” 

The ruffian said: “That does not satisfy us. 
A personage of such strange make-up we would 
know more of. Therefore if you will declare 
more fully the truth concerning yourself, you will 
confer on us a great favor. ” 

“ Well, ” said the woman, “ My mission is to 
herald in the ‘ brotherhoood of man. ’ ” 

Said the ruffian: “ I understand now. 

“You are the woman commended to me by a 
young man calling himself Alpheus Haskens. In 
a former interview I had with him he told me the 
business with which he was connected was oper- 
ated under the auspices of the ‘ brotherhood of 
man. ’ Therefore may I ask whether you know 
anything of the man and the business? ” 

“ O yes ! ” answered the woman, “ He is none 
other than my brother, and is committed to the 
same cause, — ‘ the brotherhood of man. ’ Such 
we commend to the consideration of all. For the 
foundation thereof is the ‘ Golden Rule. ’ ” 

“Well,” said the ruffian, “that will do to 
talk about, but I find that the regime of religion 
and institutions connected therewith have been 
nothing but systems of bigotry and engiuries of 
blood. That hand drove the Mayflower out over 
the stormy Atlantic, Anally anchoring it at famous 
old Plymouth Rock. The same spirit laid hands 
on old Galileo when he discovered and published 
the proper motion of the earth, burnt his books, 
sent him to prison and made him deny his theory. 
Tnat hand also sent Roger Bacon, the forerunner 
of experimental science, to the dungeon, drove 
ycliffe to his grave. Huss to the funeral pile and 
Savonarola to the scaffold. It has plunged 


38 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


Europe in the bloodiest wars ever known, 
drenched the earth with the richest blood of 
humanity and strewed the bodies of noble lives 
all along the march of the race. ” 

Ruth said in reply: “That may all be true, 
stranger, but abuses, errors, and evil have crept 
into every system of man, and have committed 
crimes in the name of good causes. It was in 
the name of the Church that Galileo was imprison- 
ed, his books burnt and his theory denied, but 
this proves nothing. Galileo was himself a most 
devout Christian. It was while he was worship- 
ing in the cathedral at Pisa that the swinging of a 
lamp set him to thinking about the sublime forces 
of the universe. Sir Isaac Newton, the discoverer 
of the law of gravitation, was a Christian. John 
Howard, who left his palatial home and spent his 
money and life to remove the horrors of the pris- 
on, and died from the stench and disease thereof, 
was a Christian. Lord Shaftesbury, who spent 
his life to help the outcast and down-trodden, was 
a Christian. So with others. Indeed, we do not 
think it too much to say that civilization travels 
side by side with the Gospel as science follows the 
Cross. Hence, stranger, may we not commend 
for your consideration the motto, ‘ Malice to- 
ward none and charity for all. ’ Yea, may we not 
have the pleasure ere long to welcome you into 
the ‘ brotherhood of man ” 

Said the ruffian as if all his old savage nature 
were aroused: “None of those things for me. 

Thus the interview ended. Dr. Overland 
went free, the ruffian took leave of the child, and 
departed. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


R. Ralph Overland Judson, as he must 



now be called, had recovered himself. 


The fact of sonship was undeniable. 
Therefore his interest lay in two localities, one 
the new settlement, Haskensville, the other, his 
home country. The former had such a strong 
hold upon him that he seemed to animate every 
movement. The other had filial obligations which 
he could not ignore. Hence to adjust himself to 
this new relation was no easy task. However, he 
plunged into the midst of things with all his ener- 


gies. 


With Miss Haskens he projected a congress 
of the people to meet the unsettled condition of 
the times. This congress was to be a body 
meeting statedly and regularly. Its object on 
the one hand was to consider means to banish all 
vice and crime, such as drunkenness, gambling, 
and immorality, and on the other hand how to 
bring man into more vital touch with religion. 

At the appointed time the congress met in 
the spacious auditorium of the town. Great 
throngs of people from all classes and wains 
of life were on hand. There was no formal organi- 
zation. The body seemed a law unto itself. Without 
delay or ceremony the congress was opened. 

It threatened to be a confusion of tongues, or 
a pandemonium. Thereupon Dr. Judson came for- 
ward to grapple with the situation, saying: “I 
am not the sole promoter of this movement. 
Neither do I want to be responsible for its de- 
liberations, nor do I assume the position of 
spokesman for any party or creed. Neverthe- 
less it was my hope that this congress would be 
the means of bringing the people into more vital 
touch with religion. I have understood that re- 
ligion has always been the mainstay of man, and 
especially is this true in regard to Christianity. 
This system is the crowning work of revelation. 


40 


SELF-REN [JNCIATION. 


In the first place it has brought to light the high- 
est conception of the Supreme Being, namely, the 
‘ Fatherhood of God. ’ In the second place it has 
published a new conception of man’s relation to 
man, — ‘ Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself ’ 
— in other words the ‘ brotherhood of man. ’ In 
the parable of the Good Samaritan we have pro- 
claimed the watchword of man’s dealings with 
man. This spirit has revolutionized the whole 
system of human duty. Christianity uas been 
the religion of man, in all conditions, and under 
all circumstances, in the country as well as in the 
city; in the cottage and in the palace; on the sea 
as well as on land; in war as well as in peace; for 
the young as well as for the old; in the mining 
camp as well as in the village and the great 
metropolis. Hence it is entitled to a hearing and 
should have the right of way over men’s lives. ” 
Thus saying he sat down. Then quick as a 
flash Miss Haskens rose to her feet and took up 
the same strain saying: “Christianity is not only 
the religion of man, but also the religion of wom- 
an. And that is the one fact above all other 
things that needs emphasis today. Slavery 
among white women is more appalling in differ- 
ent parts of the world than was black slavery in 
the times of the Civil War. Helpless women and 
innocent girls are decoyed from their homes to 
other places for base purposes. Indeed we need 
not go from our own home localities for verifica- 
tions. There are cases at our own doors horrible 
to think of. The following story serves to illus- 
trate my case. The individual was a woman who 
was a most desperate character. She was a ter- 
ror to everybody. One day I undertook her 
rescue. At once therefore there was a universal 
protest on the part of friends and people saying, 
‘you will endanger your life. ’ ‘Be that as it 
may ’ said I, ‘ I am going, and if I perish, I 
perish. ’ So saying I started on my mission 
alone. I wended my way along the broad avenues, 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


41 


walled in by massive buildings, until I turned! 
into the slum neighborhood. By and by, coming 
to an old dilapidated structure, I found that the 
woman lodged in the attic. With difficulty I 
made my way up two flights of rickety old stairs. 
Looking across the floor, I saw her sitting in the 
corner of the room supporting herself with one 
hand. Aroused by the noise, she was looking 
towards the stairs, and as soon as she saw me 
she poured forth an awful wail. At once I thought 
of the damsel described in the Acts of the Apos- 
tles, 16th chapter, out of whom Paul drove the 
evil spirit and thus liber aterd her from the thrall- 
dom of her masters. So this woman had been 
the prey of designing and wicked men, and the 
capital of the saloon until she became ruined and 
desperate. Thus on my approach she poured 
forth such a volume of oaths that it seemed as 
though it came from the sea warning me not to- 
approach. But I paid no attention to the threats. 
On the contrary I made my way up the stairs^ 
and crossed the floor to where the woman was. 
I knelt down beside her, placed my hand on her 
dishevelled hair and planted a kiss on her dirt 
stained cheek saying: ‘I have come to be your 
friend. ’ Instantly the curses and threats turn- 
ed to shrieks and cries, saying: ‘Go away! Go 
away ! I cannot stand it. That is the first kiss I 
have had since my mother’s death. On the other 
hand I have had kicks, cuffs, aad foul treatment 
all my life. Such has brought me to where I am,, 
and now I am too loathsome for human company.’ 

‘ Not so, ’ said I, ‘ I am your friend. ’ Thus I 
prayed with her until her heart was strangely 
moved. At length she yielded to my requests> 
and came with me. I worked, prayed and en- 
couraged her until she became a reformed wom- 
an, and now she is a great power for good. ” 

At this juncture that excrescence, who had 
formerly crossed Alpheus Haskens’ path, ap- 
peared on the scene. Addressing the congress^ 


42 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


lie said: “These proceedings are based on the 
grossest fiction. They are misleading in the 
extreme. On the other hand the ruling law to day 
is ‘ Selfishness. ’ It arrays classes against masses, 
labor against capital, nation against nation, bro- 
ther against brother, and carries ruin in its train. 
It is at the bottom of the social unrest and is the 
prolific source of all the trouble in the world to- 
day. It is even at the bottom of this gathering. 
Some of your hypocritical number had the effron- 
tery to trespass on our premises and interfere 
with our business. That woman whom you are 
making so much fuss about is our property; and 
I am here to tell you that she will return to us 
either dead or alive. ” 

So saying he made his way towards the wom- 
en, and as he approached he jerked out a dagger 
and made a thrust at the woman. Fortunately, 
however, Ruth Haskens, standing near, caught his 
arm and warded off the blow. With other help 
the fiend was overpowered and brought into 
subjection. It looked as though there would be 
an insurrection and a crisis, but fate ruled other- 
wise. The fiend was a victim of some deadly 
malady. His intention was to deal a twofold in- 
jury, — on the one hand do bodily violence to the 
woman and her benefactors, and on the other hand 
spread the malady far and wide. 

Immediately Dr. Judson assumed charge. 
On examination he found symptoms of some dead- 
ly malady or some malignant fever. Moreover 
the wickedness of the slum districts and tene- 
ment neighborhood, congested with wretched ele- 
ments, infested with gambling hells, packed with 
low saloons and cheap boarding and dirty lodging 
houses, and surrounded with a seething mass 
of poverty, squalor, corruption and disease, 
had broken forth in all its fury. Hence Dr. Judson 
ordered the congress closed and the victims 
removed beyond the reach of the people. By this 
means he hoped to avert a universal epidemic. 


CHAPTER IX. 


ORNING had never dawned on a more 
I I dreary and desolate place than Has* 
I ^ kensville. Business was abandoned, 
homes were broken up, and families were scatter- 
ed. All who were able made a stampede to get 
away. Private conveyances, horses, road- 
wagons and freight trains were called into ser- 
vice, and coaches on passenger trains were 
crowded to suffocation. 

The people scattered out into the country to 
find lodging wherever they could. A few canvas 
tents were put up to accommodate the women 
and children. These were crowded to the ut- 
most capacity. 

However this was only feeding the epidemic, 
causing it to spread like prairie fire far and wide. 
Hence an absolute quarantine had to be declared. 
All means of travel were prohibited. Only mail 
trains, and the men necessary to manage them, 
were allowed to run. On the other hand thou- 
sands of people were quartered in Haskensville 
dependent for daily subsistence. The city was 
practically smitten by the epidemic with little 
or no recourse. It looked as though the place 
were going to be left like the lepers on the island 
Molunkai. Those people were exiled from their 
homes and friends on account of the deadly mal- 
ady. They had no food, no friends, nor any one 
to care for them. Hence Father Damien volun- 
teered to minister unto them. He did a noble 
work. But it was at the cost of his life. So in 
this city mortality was frightful. People were 
dying on every hand. Deaths were so numerous 
that the burial of the victims had ta be abandon- 
ed . On the other hand the bodies were cremated, 


44 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


but burial or cremation were fast becoming 
questions of little attention. Hence Ruth Has- 
kens, seeing the frightful condition into which 
things had fallen, volunteered her services. The 
elder Judson’s, and their family, as well as her 
own, had fallen victims only to pass away one after 
the other in rapid succession. But above all her 
mother was the most sorrowful case. She had 
exerted herself in the early stages of the epi- 
demic, and then fell victim to the disease herself. 
Hence Ruth redoubled her efforts to give her the 
best possible attention with the hope of bringing 
her through. But in spite of all ker efforts the 
mother passed away on the tide of almost uni- 
versal mortality. 

This to Ruth was a hard blow. Already her 
energies had been taxed to the utmost. Besides, 
there still lingered the terrible case of the ruffian. 
All the while he hovered between life and death. 
No one was able to do anything for him save Ruth. 
She could not separate herself from the case 
without bringing on a change for the worse. 
Hence she continued her ministries with the hope 
of bringing his case through. She labored long 
and hard with some degree of success. There 
was a change for the better and, in general, by the 
CO operation and careful planning on the part of 
all, the epidemic was gotten under control. But 
alas ! as it generally happens with all such cases, 
at a great cost. Her spirit was willing but the 
flesh was weak. She had gone too long and done 
too much. Her strength had been over-taxed. 
Consequently she became a physical wreck, and 
finally succumbed to the disease. Her case pres- 
sed heavy on all sides. On the one hand the 
news fell like a pall on the masses. Slumdom 
and the vicious classes wept as though a veri- 
table Dorcas were about to be taken from their 
midst. On the other hand friends exerted all 
their ingenuities and taxed all their resources to 
give her relief. 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


45 


Amidst all these circumstances the little girl 
Eva Goodwill clung to Ruth. During the epi- 
demic she went with her on the round of her 
ministries. She was at every beck and call, and 
when Ruth was worn out she would relieve her. 
Then when Ruth finally fell victim to the fever 
the little girl never left her. Nevertheless Ruth 
passed away amidst universal lamentation. Her 
departure was peaceful and triumphant. It 
seemed as if the angelic host had descended and 
borne her spirit home. Henceforth her life was 
to be associated with the company who walk in 
white, — a trophy of the King. Thus what she did 
not accomplish in her life she accomplished in 
her death. Dr. Judson, Eva Goodwill the re- 
formed woman, and the desperate character alone 
survived. However all hope centred in Dr. Jud- 
son. It remained for him to rally the remaining 
forces and push the work forward. 


CHAPTER X. 


(a 


NEW era had set in. Reform move- 
ments had opened up along all lines. The 
mission work took new impetus and as- 
sumed vast proportions. The old stand had be- 
come inadequate. Hence new quarters were 
secured in the central part of the city. A new 
hall was built as a rallying point for all depart- 
ments of the work. 

The plan had been conceived by Miss Haskens 
before her departure. Afterwards Dr. Judson 
carried it out along that line. He secured the best 
plot of ground obtainable, and then contributed 
$7,000,000, or more, for the erection of a large cen- 
tral hall and church house. There was nothing 
like it in all the religious world. It was unique 
in character and design. The ground floor and 
basement were set apart for business and com- 
mercial purposes. On the first floor were a great 
hall with seating capacity for thousands, and a 
Sunday school room of equal dimensions. On 
the second floor were the synod hall, committee 
rooms, libraries, ladies’ parlors, class rooms and 
club rooms for various agencies ard missions. 
The wisdom of the plan was apparent from the 
first. By request of Dr. Judson the reformed 
woman Julia Pcwell took charge of the central 
hall, and it was crowded from the first night. 
The services were bright, hearty and full of 
enthusiasm and life. But there was nothing of a 
sensational character. The chief work was the 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


47 


conversion of souls. This was the order of the 
day not only in the inquiry room on Sunday 
nights, but in the prayer meeting during the 
week, in the offices of the '^Central Hall,'" and dur- 
ing the preaching of the Word. And when the 
haU became crowded, overflow meetings were 
established. Then other halls were opened up. 
Theatre services were also established with a 
congregation of non church goers. Slum mission 
halls were established by which good influences 
could be sent to the lowest strata. By this 
means thousands were served regularly, and the 
central offices were in touch with all the people. 

Other lines of work were also opened up. 
Social work was one of the main features. In 
this department numbers of girls who were en- 
gaged in factory work were reached. As an ad- 
dition to the family income the wages of these 
girls were acceptable. But in many cases the 
girls had to take care of themselves and provide 
for their own support. And unless deft in hand, 
they were unable to earn a decent living. For 
such girls there were evening homes where they 
met in clubs and spent the evenings in a whole- 
some manner. To guard the girls after the 
homes had closed for the evenings, boarding 
houses were established under the charge of 
competent women. There these factory and 
working girls who were homeless and friendless 
were boarded and lodged at reasonable rates, and 
watched over with the utmost care. 

Moreover where the wages and means were 
not sufficient to meet the expenses, the balance 
was supplemented from the net earnings of the 
factories and institutioas or by subscriptions of 
private individuals. 

Morally speaking this seemed to be the most 
remunerative of all lines of work. It is assuming 
vast proportions, and is most promising. Dr. 
Judson has also opened plans for the unemployed. 
He has established bureaus for men and women. 


48 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


At the Central Hall rooms are open all day long. 
During the morning hours some one is in charge 
to receive men who have been unfortunate and 
need work, help and sympathy. 

Connected with this bureau is a wood chop- 
ping yard. There in an afternoon a man can earn 
a supper, lodging and breakfast at a temperance 
house. This is the crucial test and the loafer will 
not submit to the ordeal. Thus the sheep are 
separated from the goats, and the willing are dis- 
covered. For these permanent employment is 
secured, and wonderful has been the work 
along this line. You would scarcely believe it if 
1 were to tell you that this department is self- 
sustaining. Those who have gotten on their feet 
show their appreciation by becoming patrons. 
We are receiving contributions from all parts of 
the world. That notorious character who re- 
covered is doing wonderful work in the men’s 
department and is leading many to better lives. 

Thus the antagonism between Christianity 
and the masses has here a suggestion. The chief 
obstacle towards the union of the classes and the 
masses is in a fair way of finding a solution in this 
practical demonstration of the Gospel. 


CHAPTER XI. 

0 NE feature about Haskensville hitherto 
not mentioned was the intercourse open- 
ed up with the former city of the Jud- 

son’s. 

Haskensville, having rapid growth and devel- 
opment, brought a swarm of the rough element 
that way. On the other hand the cioy of the 
J udson ’s had a large and congested population 
made up of people from every nation under the 
sun. In one section, not three miles square, over 
fifteen languges were spoken while not one knew 
anything about evangelical religion. Besides, 
over 4,000 saloons were doing business in the 
place. These employed more than 4,000 hands 
and realized a daily income of $300,000. Sunday 
was unknown. In one saloon on a certain Sun- 
day evening were counted over 300 men. Within 
the next three hours 200 more entered until they 
were standing six deep around the gambling 
table. And in general more than 2,000 billiard 
and pool rooms and gambling dens were in opera- 
tion. Houses of impurity also abounded and 
thousands of men were engaged in alluring people 
that way. The religious and moral destitution of 
the masses was appalling. One section being can- 
vassed, it was found that of 1000 families visited 
over 900 did not have any Bible. Neither would 
they receive one. There were thousands of 
children who never entered Sunday school. 

On the other hand a number of atheistic 
Sunday schools were in operation, the members 
of which were taught by catechism that there is 
no God, no Bible, no heaven, no hell, no virtue in 


60 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


woman, no integrity in man, and no good anywhere. 

Thus, as the great hordes of barbarians once 
poured into the old Roman Empire and finally 
overturned it, so on a smaller scale out of this 
maelstrom came streams of barbarous humanity 
into Haskensville. 

Hence here was a problem that had to be 
solved. To this end the Bureau of Industry was 
called into play. Balthazer, the recovered and 
reformed bandit, was the active spirit. In for- 
mer days he had been conversant with the spirit 
and plans of the Salvation Army. It was the sole 
movement in all his travels that bearded the lion 
in his den, and endeavored to lead the vicious 
classes to abandon their evil ways and turn to a 
better life. Hence in this new line of work he 
instinctively turned to their plans of work. 

Accordingly the first move was the Food and 
Shelter Depots. These were inaugurated as ex- 
tensions and branches of the Bureau of Industry 
in Central Hall. From thence they were managed 
with that as the mam gateway. Thus the weary 
and the friendless, after spending the day in 
fruitless pursuit of toil, found these depots a 
great boon. Each individual would go into the 
wash house and find warm water, soap, and towel. 
Then a large pot of coffee, tea, or cocoa with 
plenty of bread was given. By the beginning of 
the second watch hundreds were in the shelters 
for the night. 

Then followed the rousing salvation meeting. 
The leaders with their musical instruments and 
stirring songs made things lively. Prayers and 
short addresses and testimonies were given. 
After the meeting the inmates would repair to 
the dormitory for a night’s lodging, it being 
kept neat and clean at all times. In the morning 
coffee and bread were again provided for them. 
Then in addition there were in operation work- 
shops, and labor yards, such as carpentering, 
painting, wagon making, blacksmithing, wood 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


51 


working and shoemaking, and all kinds of man- 
ual labor. Into these shops the men were allow- 
ed to go as it suited them either as temporary or 
permanent workmen. 

Beyond the confines of the place there were 
thousands of acres of land set apart as an agricul- 
tural and industrial colony. To this colony the 
men and families passed on and found permanent 
employment and homes. Adjoining the colony 
were fresh air farms and homes for cripples and 
invalid children. These groups of children would 
remain for a period of two or three weeks; then 
they were followed by other groups. Thus hun- 
dreds of children were fed, clothed and sheltered 
during the spring, summer, aid autumn. 

On the other hand by this means a reflex in- 
fluence was carried back into that maelstrom. 
Bible organizations were established in the latter 
place to carry the Gospel into the homes of peo- 
ple who never went to Church. The leaders of 
these societies would visit from house to house, 
carry the Bible, talk and pray with the people. 
They would also distribute tracts and other 
wholesome literature, and help to hold mothers’ 
meetings and carry the cases of the needy to the 
proper sources for relief. They would also visit 
prisons, hospitals and other institutions, and thus 
endeavor to find opportunity for giving the Gos- 
pel to every creature. 


CHAPTER XII. 


S another item in her last will and testa- 
tC/i ment Ruth Haskens set apart means for 
an institution in the interest of boys 
and girls. 

Accordingly Dr. Judson inaugurated a school 
on a stupendous scale in memory of the bene- 
factress, calling it “Haskens Institute.’’ 

He conceived the plan and defined the pur- 
pose and scope of the institution. Here he con- 
centrated all his talents, energies, money and re- 
sources. He felt that she was to live through 
him. He wanted to make her life a power in the 
thoughts and lives of others. To this end he 
placed himself back of this institution and made 
Its interests his chief concern. 

The building he erected was a massive struc- 
ture ol brick and stone. Inside it was hand- 
somely finished with hard wood, fine stair cases, 
and marble fioors. Nothing was spared to pro- 
mote convenience and service. 

The institution was divided into two general 
divisions, — a scientific academy, and a technical 
college. It was organized into departments such 
as mechanical engineering,electrical engineering, 
metallurgy, domestic arts, kindergartens and 
commetce,each of which was in charge of a direc- 
tor. In the academic d partment there was first 
the scientific academy which provided courses 
for boys and girls who had come through the 
grammar grades of the public schools. These 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


53 


courses fitted the student for the technical college 
or the scientific courses of the leading universi- 
ties of the country. Also in the academic depart- 
ment there was secondly the technical college 
where the student, having chosen the line of his 
special studies, devoted himself to a course in 
mechanics such as electrical and mining engineer- 
ing, etc. In these departments there was also an 
immense amount of modern mechinery run by 
immense engines, thus giving the student all the 
advantages of practical experience. 

There was also a department of architecture 
and music, and a library department on a stupen- 
dous scale. It comprised over a million volumes. 
Then there was a bureau of international ex- 
change between the learned societies and men not 
only in this country but throughout the civilized 
world. Also there was a museum on a grand 
scale. Here were deposited objects of scientific 
and artistic interest. It was divided into divis- 
ions, and the articles under these respective 
departments were so arranged that the student 
and investigator might study the series of objects 
illustrating any special subject. 

But above all there was the department of 
bibliology. Therein was taught the relation of 
the Bible to our literature, institutions and civili- 
zation. To this end the Bible was studied not 
simply as an agency of religious training, nor as 
a medium for ihe dissemination of theology, but 
as a literary work; for the Bible is the avenue 
through which we travel to the glories of Milton, 
Shakespeare and Tennyson, the key to the litera- 
ture from Chaucer to Browning. It is empha- 
sized as the greatest of the great masterpieces of 
literature and the fountain spring from which the 
authors of the best in our literature have drawn 
their inspiration. It is aimed to give such knowl- 
edge of the Bible as will lead to a proper under- 
standing of the Christianity which is the basis of 
all history since the fall of Rome, and the founda- 


54 


SELF-RENUNCIATION 


tion of our American liberty, progress, morals 
and life. Thus on the one hand was founded an 
institution to encourage research, and on the 
other to discover the exceptional man in every 
department and encourage him to make the most 
out of his life. 

Thus of the departed might be said appropri- 
ately: “She rests from her labors and her 
works do follow her.’’ 


CHAPTER XIII. 

R. JUDSON was in his element. He had 



at last found a field for the free range of 


his talents. It was productive soil. He 


found jewels and diamonds in the rough where 
he least suspected them. For instance, a heavy 
storm had been raging over the country, causing 
destruction on all sides. He was traveling about 
the work when the storm was at its he’ght. On 
the banks of a stream near some of the works a 
large crowd had gathered to watch the fiood which 
had grown higher than was ever known before. 
For several days guards had been stationed to pre- 
vent a jam at the bridge that spanned the stream. 

For a certain time the interest centred in a 
new object. The home of one of the workmen 
was on the bank of the stream just across the 
bridge. Into that home Eva Goodwill had gone 
on a mission. During her stay the tide rose so 
rapidly that it threatened to sweep away the 
bridge, the house and all its occupants. The 
crowd was yelling and shouting that this and 
that ought to be done, but seemed powerless to 
do anything. 

In the midst of this turmoil and confusion a 
young man came dashing through the crowd on 
a run. He crossed the bridge and, splashing 
through the water that surrounded the house, he 
went inside. Soon he came out with a delicate 
woman in his arms. It was his mother. He 
carried her to a place of safety. Then he re- 
crossed the bridge and brought Eva Goodwill out 


LofC. 


SELF-REN CJNCIATION. 


and placed her by his mother’s side. Without 
exchanging words he dashed back across the 
bridge, and went into the house again. He ran 
swiftly up stairs to a corner bed room. There 
an old fashioned corded bedstead stood. With 
skillful fingers he took out the cord. Then, open- 
ing two windows, he threw one end of the cord 
out so that it swung around the corner of the 
house to the other window where he caught it. 
He made a strong running knot, threw the 
cord out of one of the windows, and went down on 
it hand over hand. Scarcely pausing to touch 
the ground, he ran swiftly to a stout willow tree 
that stood near by and fastened the rope securely. 
Then he came back across the bridge. The whole 
operation took less than twenty miijutes; then 
the house broke from its foundations and launch- 
ed out on the tide. 

Dr. Judson came up just in time to see part 
of the proceedings. Turning to a man standing 
near, he inquired who the youug lad was. The 
bystander said he was a young fellow who had 
come lately with an aged and delicate woman and 
had secured work in the shops. Dr. Judson said: 
“An eye to see, a brain to devise and a hand to 
execute all in the same stroke. That is the kind 
of a man needed in these days of rush and push. 
I would like to meet him,” remarked Dr. Judson. 

Thereupon the young man was conducted 
into his presence. Said Dr. Judson: “ I am told 
your name is David Nelson. ” 

“Yes, Sir, ” was his reply. 

“David, tell me all about yourself,” said 
the Doctor. 

“There is little to tell, Sir!” said David. 
“ My father was a machinist and when I was a 
child he was caught in the machinery of a mill in 
his native town and was killed. After that, 
mother had such a horror for shops and factories 
that we moved away out into the country. ” 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


57 


“How have you been supported duriuja: all 
this time ? ” inquired the Doctor. 

David replied: “ My mother worked for the 
farmers, and I have worked in the fields and in 
the blacksmith shops and at anything I could do. 
Then when these great works opened up I came 
over here to live with my mother. ” 

Said Dr. Judson: “David, I will give you as 
good a job in the works as you can fill. At the 
same time you can enter the academic depart- 
ment of the Institute and use your leisure time 
in study. ’’ 

He accepted the offer and entered upon work 
and study at once. But factory work and study 
did not go together. Hence at the suggestion of 
Dr. Judson he abandoned the factory and devoted 
his entire time to academic work. In a few 
months he finished the course. Then he 
entered the technical school. His capacity for 
grasping things as a whole and in detail was pro- 
digious. Accordingly his record at the school 
was sweeping. He finished the course with the 
highest grade. 

Immediately, on graduation, positions opened 
up. But Dr. Judson kept an eye on him and 
prevailed on him to associate himself with him in 
the management of the Institute and the other 
business concerns. 

On the other hand Dr. Judson was giving 
signs of failing health. Hence while he did not 
directly express his mind, he intimated to Nelson 
that with the best the thread of life was brittle, 
and that sooner or later some one would be com- 
pelled to take his place. 


CHAPTER XIV. 

ALTHAZER, the reformed man, had 



roamed over many countries. In his 
meanderings he had come across many 


rich finds. It was a custom in those countries 
that parties who made such discoveries had the 
first right. These claims were defined and re- 
corded in detail with the name of the discoverer. 

Thus on the one hand were barred out all 
other parties, and on the other hand the title was 
vested in s.iid individual. Before going, however, 
Balthazer settled his interests and belongings on 
Eva Goodwill; and, as she deemed proper, a resi- 
due on the institutions of Haskensville. Then 
calling Dr. Judson aside he said: “I have a 
secret I want to tell you. It is in regard to Evp» 
Goodwill. She is my own child. I am the man 
that disappeared in an early day and was never 
heard of. I roamed far and wide over many a 
country, and never had any rest. Consequently 
I returned in quest of my child. Finding that 
her mother had died and placed the child in good 
hands with special requests to be carried out, I 
withheld my identity. But now as I am going on 
this journey, and something tells me I am not 
likely to return, I feel that it is my duty to make 
facts known.” 

Therefore Dr. Judson called Eva Goodwill in 
and explained matters to her as disclosed. Thus 
the strange resemblance in disposUion and ways 
and fascination for each other were cleared up. 

After appointing Dr. Judson his administra- 
tor and taking leave of Eva, Balthazer started on 
ihis journey. It was a hazardous undertaking. 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 


69 


Going south into the Mexicos he located the lands. 
However, sometime before, another party, Ben 
Hart by name, got wind of the bonanza and had 
taken possession. Balthazer’s right rested on 
his former discovery which was on record. Hart 
claimed to have the original Spanish grant. Both 
parties however pushed their claims. Balthazer 
carried his claim to the courts of law which 
finally decided in his favor, and on the other 
hand declared Hart a trespasser and an outlaw. 
The latter however did not accept the decision 
and was not disposed to give way. He repelled 
Balthazer with a squad of men. On the other 
hand Balthazer had re-enforced himself with a 
strong posse of armed natives and descended on 
Hart and his cow boys. A terrible battle ensued 
in which there was heavy loss of life. The lead- 
ers of both parties were mortally wounded. 
Hart died instantly with many of his followers. 
Balthazer lingered long enough to see the tri- 
umph of his own side. The title to his lands 
still adhered in him. Hence when he passed 
away word came back to Haskensville'as to the 
rich bonanza in store for his heirs. Previouslv 
however Dr. Judson had taken violently ill with 
hemorrhage. It proved very serious. By it he 
had been reduced to a feeble state of health. 
Hence he was compelled to abandon business 
along all lines. Though before doing so he made 
disposition of all his business and trusts. He ap- 
pointed David Nelson his successor, busines s 
manager, and attorney in fact. The latter was a 
young man, but mature in judgment and apt in 
business. Nevertheless the situation was trying 
in the extreme. The departure of Dr. Judson 
was a heavy blow on all sides. On the one hand 
after inaugurating things so auspiciously it was 
sad to be struck down almost without a moment’s 
warning. On the other hand being a man of noble 
principles it was a great loss. But like Washing- 
ton, giving his farewell address to his country- 


60 


SELF-RENUNCIATION. 

men, were Judson’s parting words full of whole- 
some counsel to the people. On the contrary, as 
Moses to Joshua, and Paul to Tymothy, did he 
counsel Nelson to be an example in charity, in 
spirit, in faith, in purity and manliness. Thus 
he passed away lamented and beloved. 

On the other hand Nelson addressed himself 
to the new and responsible charge with wonder- 
ful skill. He took hold of the threads in the Bal- 
thazer case and unraveled them with the shrewd- 
ness of a diplomat. He met the demands of all 
parties abroad. On the contrary he settled claims 
satisfactorily with parties at home. He secured 
much revenue and boundless treasure for Eva 
Goodwill and the institutions at Haskensville. 
Then by his request Julia Powell remained at the 
head of the Central Hall and Eva Goodwill took 
charge of the department of women, winning new 
victories, pressing on to higher grounds and 
nobler aspirations. He placed himself at the 
head of every department and kept in touch with 
every movement. His presence seemed ubigui- 
tous. 

Thus things moved along not only in even 
tenor, but with new impetus. The whole com- 
munity caught the spirit. It seemed like a new 
time. On the one hand humanity was not dis- 
posed to evil and crime, and did not require the 
restraint of law. On the other it was disposed to 
obey law, respect the rights of others, and was 
pure, truthful and happy. 

One spirit and one law pervaded the whole 
realm, — an earnest this of the regime of the 
golden rule and the brotherhood of man. 

Thus the curtain fell over this narative. The 
spirit Ruth Haskens bequeathed to her followers 
lives on. Indeed in the great drama of life man 
changes and ages move, but life flows cease- 
lessly on. 


f t 


1 



% 




